Analysts and fans are saying Chrysler scored big on Super Bowl Sunday. The company salutes farmers in an ad for its award winning Dodge Ram. The spot featured broadcaster Paul Harvey's 1978 "So God made a farmer" address.
And then there was the Jeep ad. The spot touted the iconic Toledo built Wrangler in a salute to our military heroes. Jeep workers tell us the ad had a big effect on them and it was emotional for them to see their work on the TV screen.
We're used to getting a little teary eyed over ads like the Budweiser Clydesdales, but Chrysler has taken an emotional turn with its ads in recent years and industry experts say it's working, "I'm glad somebody took the time to remember our Veterans."
Like the men and women in the Jeep Super Bowl ad, Mike Mack served our country, "I'll be honest with you I got a little choked up." In addition to his service to our country, Mack has spent nearly three decades working at the Jeep plant, "I am proud of the company I work for I am proud of the fact that they tied in our Veterans with Jeep."
At first it wasn't clear this was a commercial for Jeep, but like many, Mack says it grabbed your attention right from the start,"They weren't just promoting their vehicle, they were saying hey America don't forget our vets, they are still on the job."
Walter Schwiefert has been on the job at Jeep for about 20 years. Seeing a Toledo built Wrangler in the ad made him proud of his job,"Chrysler is hand in hand with Veterans. We showcase them here and in the vehicles we build, and we remember that Jeep got its start as a military vehicle and we're proud of that."
Stan Massey is the Chief Branding Officer at Roman Peshoff and Massey has a Super Bowl ad in his portfolio. He was part of making one for Toledo based Owens Corning,"I will say it was the biggest ad budget I ever had to work with on a commercial. It was a lot of fun, it was certainly one of the highlights of my career."
Massey says the Jeep ad was one of the best of the night, "It's not just about the money figures and that is where the Jeep spot performed well. It hit your heartstrings before you even knew what it was about. It was about patriotism and pride in our military and it was a major accomplishment."
Workers tell us the Jeep featured in the ad is called the "On the Move" edition. Among other things it has special seats, and a decal on the hood. They say the model was originally geared toward military personnel and veterans, but it is available to everyone.
The workers at the Toledo Assembly Complex have a very active veterans group. They always fly a POW/MIA flag in front. They have special activities on Veteran's Day and they have red shirt Fridays. They sell red shirts for people to wear and among other things the proceeds go to a scholarship fund and the Veteran's Home in Sandusky.
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